EX-ENGLAND manager Terry Venables once owned a hidden Spanish hotel – complete with a lawn doubling as a football pitch.
Tributes have flooded in for Euro 96 boss Venables after he died at the age of 80 following a long illness.
"El Tel" fell in love with Spain after taking the helm at Barcelona in 1984.
Under his leadership, Barca went on to win La Liga in 1985 and reached the European Cup final in 1986.
Venables and his wife Yvette returned to Spain after he retired from football management.
The couple opened La Escondida hotel and restaurant in Penaguila near Alicante in 2014.
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The ten-room hotel's name translated to "The Hidden One", and guests had to navigate winding lanes and olive groves to reach it.
La Escondida boasted a terrace looking over a poolside lawn – which Venables claimed had once been a football pitch.
Terry and Yvette kept the hotel's original stonework and beams, which dated from 1891.
They invited guests to enjoy breakfast and cocktails on the terrace, where they could watch shepherds gather their flocks on the hills beyond.
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One guest was treated to a delicious meal by Venables – despite appearing to have no idea who he was.
Writing in Luxury and Boutique Hotels, the oblivious guest said: "The British chef creates delicious dishes with the unusual mix of refined presentation and decent portion size.
"The tasty in-between course treats were an unexpected bonus.
They added: "Breakfast on the terrace was leisurely and glorious.
"The aromas from the lavender beds and views of the almond groves created a wonderful ambience to the generous a la carte menu – plus additional buffet style choices should you want more.
"The service from all the team was exemplary; friendly, informative and helpful."
Venables was happy to pose for photos with guests, with many taking to social media with snaps after news of his death broke today.
The couple sold the hotel in 2019 when they decided to retire and move back to the UK.
England legend Venables leaves behind his wife Yvette after a 32-year-long marriage.
Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has shared a heartwarming tribute to his "outstanding" former coach Terry Venables.
Many of the players from Venables's Euro 96 team also offered tributes to their boss.
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